Sophie's Cosmic Café

The Kitsilano equivalent of a Disneyland ride...

Food

Service

Atmosphere

Kitsilano is mecca for sleepy twenty-somethings who live and die for weekend brunch in their pyjamas. The neighbourhood meets their needs: there are dozens of greasy, delightful, hollandaise-drenched venues. Those with a pack mentality go to Sophie’s.

Sophie’s is the Kitsilano equivalent of a Disneyland ride. You’re not really sure what’s inside but it looks shiny, so you join the mile-long queue and wait. Every weekend a faithful legion waits patiently outside Sophie’s for their turn at basic breakfast food: bacon, eggs, toast and pancakes.

The restaurant is quirky and provides a colourful take on a 50’s diner. Its portions are huge (unless you’re American, to you they’ll be unremarkable) and quality is good. Yet kitschy decor and a one-in-ten chance at patio dining are privileges earned.

If you like to join every line you see, your breakfast will (eventually) delight. If you just want to wake up and get some coffee, keep walking. Certainly try Sophie’s, but on a week day. You’re on holiday, after all.